New Tools from CHP

Become a better healthcare consumer with Clear Savings
When you shop at Target or Walmart, you go in with a list of what you need to purchase and as many coupons available for the items you want to buy. You know the items that you’ll only buy in brand name and items that are okay in generic brands. You do your homework and come in either under or at budget. You’re a smart shopper, a wise consumer.

So how do you shop for your and your family’s healthcare needs? Do you know the doctors in your area that specialize in the treatment or surgery that you need? Do you know how skilled they are? How much do they charge in comparison to what other doctors who perform this treatment or surgery charge?

The Concordia Health Plan (CHP) has a tool that will make it much easier for you to compare quality, cost, and convenience for medical services and prescriptions – the Clear Savings tool.

The Clear Savings online tool helps you find the information you need and educates you about being a better shopper for health care. You can easily access cost information for more than 300 procedures, including office visits, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and common outpatient and inpatient procedures. The tool allows you to compare healthcare providers on cost and quality, and receive straightforward explanations of treatments and services. It can even compare the cost of prescriptions.

And with the Clear Savings tool, you get a fresh approach to benefit education through Healthcare University and helpful saving tips with Ways to Save Alerts.

The Clear Savings tool is available to CHP members* starting July 1. Be watching for additional information coming soon. Visit mybluecrossmn.com/Concordia to enroll.

*Not available to CHP members in Cigna HMO options or in Medicare supplemental coverage.

Online care tool brings a doctor to you!
Adding to the value of the Concordia Health Plan (CHP) is an online care tool which is the fastest, easiest way to see a doctor from the comfort of your home or wherever you may be.

The online care tool, available through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, makes it easy for you to manage your own health by using your computer, smartphone, or tablet to receive care for a host of common illnesses like colds, flu, bladder infections, skin issues, sports injuries, and more. U.S. board-certified doctors use video visits to diagnose health issues and provide an effective treatment plan, including prescriptions if appropriate.

The most you will pay for an online care visit is $40. And, as a CHP member, you may even pay less depending on the specific copay and benefit plan structure of your CHP option. By using the online care tool, you won’t spend hours waiting to be seen at an urgent care center. On average, the online care tool will have you connected with a doctor within three to five minutes.

So the next time you’re dealing with the flu or a skin irritation try the online care tool. Online care is available in 45 states and in Washington, D.C. Visit mybluecrossmn.com/Concordia to enroll, see a doctor, and find out if you are in a state (when an illness occurs) that is eligible to participate.

Treat hearing loss sooner rather than later
Hearing issues can be easily addressed with early intervention, proper diagnosis, and hearing devices, so don’t ignore hearing difficulty or loss. Promote better hearing by using your benefits!

As a member of the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), you have access to discounted costs for hearing exams, hearing devices, and other hearing related products. You and your enrolled dependents can receive these discounts through CignaPlus Savings, HearUSA, and VSP. For more information, click on Who We Are and Service Providers to find out the discounts they each offer on hearing exams and products.

Visit the Better Hearing Institute (betterhearing.org) to find out ways you can promote healthy hearing.